Average EU pig prices have remained relatively stable since the beginning of March this year, with the price gap between UK and EU prices staying “very high” by historical standards at around 30p, according to AHDB Pork.
EU prices have generally fluctuated around €144 per 100kg (£105/100kg), although levels were down slightly last week, hitting their lowest point since May.
The latest EU figures also indicate something of a divide between northern member states and those further south. While German prices fell by €3 (£2.20) per 100kg in the latest four weeks, for example, and the Danish price went down be nearly twice that amount, the Spanish market has been largely static, while the French price has risen by €5 (£3.65).
“This was partly in response to farmer protests which have increased demand for French pork and led to the government imposing a target price for pigs,” said AHDB pork.
“As a result, French prices are now well above the EU average while Italy has also recorded strong price rises of late.”